Sand Island slough on the Columbia River east of Rooster Rock closes to angling

Action:
Angling prohibited in the slough formed by Sand Island along the Oregon shore east of Rooster Rock State Park on the Columbia River.

Effective date:
Jan. 1 through April 30, 2011.

Species affected:
All species.

Location:
From a line between the upstream end of Sand Island, located east of Rooster Rock State Park on the Columbia River, to a marker on the Oregon shore, downstream to a line between the lower end of Sand Island and a marker on the Oregon shore.

Reason for action:
In the winter of 2010, a large aggregation of white sturgeon were present in a slough at Rooster Rock State Park. Sturgeon catch rates in this specific area were extremely high in the winter and spring, which jeopardized the 2010 season structure for the gorge fishery (above Wauna powerlines). In April of 2010, the states closed Sand Island slough to all angling through the month of July. Implementing the same action earlier in the season would likely stabilize the fishery, and reduce the potential need for inseason modifications. This rule should not displace non-sturgeon anglers as the slough receives little effort for other species.

Other information:
The fishery in the area above Wauna is currently open for sturgeon retention three days per week (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) and will continue into 2011 with the same season structure. Seasons will be reviewed in early February.

Information contact:
Brad James, (360) 696-6211.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.